Beautiful wraparound cover for the ninth Fables trade paperback, which apparently includes issues 52-55 ("Sons of Empire"), as well as Fables 56, the Christmas issue.

This is one of the TPB covers that definitely feels weighted to the right, and somewhat empty on the left (back cover).  Some of the TPB covers feel more balanced, but in this case the slope of the artwork makes it feel more natural, and less a necessary design element for front cover illustration and back cover text.

What appeals most about this cover is the sense of eerie beauty, allowing it to be both breathtaking and unsettling at the same time.  This piece is a bit reminiscent of some of James' more personal work (the "Recess" series, in particular), and it's always nice to see some of his more personal artistic tendencies finding an outlet in his professional work.  His most appealing artwork is often that which allows him to more freely express himself as an artist within the parameters of the assignment itself.